Honda shows robotics for easy ride

honda / 15 May 2012, 07:58am

Yuri Kageyama

A reporter rides Honda Motor Co's new UNI-CUB personal mobility device at National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan) in Tokyo May 15, 2012. Honda unveiled the new device on Tuesday, which allows the rider to control speed, up to 6km per hour, and direction by shifting oneself's weight. Honda and the museum will joinly conduct demonstration testing of UNI-CUB from June 2012, Honda said. REUTERS/Yuriko Nakao (JAPAN - Tags: TRANSPORT BUSINESS MEDIA SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY)

Look, no hands. Scooting around on what looks like a floating car seat is no sweat for anybody with Honda's new hands-free robotics technology.

The Uni-Cub has one main wheel, while a tiny wheel at the back helps for circular moves.

Swaying your body from side to side is all you need to do to turn, rotate full circle and zip around at up to 6km/h.

Reporters got a test ride on the machine on Tuesday.

It takes some getting used to but responds smoothly and quietly.

Lean forward to go straight, to the left to go left. If all fails to stop, just put your foot down.

The Uni-Cub will be on display at a Tokyo science museum. There are no plans yet for a commercial product. - Sapa-AP